Three reagent gram staining method and kit

ABSTRACT

A method for Gram staining a specimen containing bacteria includes the steps of staining Gram positive bacteria in the specimen, fixing the stain to the Gram positive bacteria, and simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining Gram negative bacteria in the specimen.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a reagent and a staining method for bacteria. More particularly, the present invention relates to a Gram staining reagent combining a decolorizer and a counter-stain and a three reagent Gram staining method.

BACKGROUND ART

The Gram stain is a well known and widely used microbiological technique used for classifying and identifying bacteria. In hospitals and clinical laboratories, the Gram stain is one of the most frequently performed microbiological diagnostic tests. The Gram stain essentially divides the bacterial world into two distinct classifications: Gram positive bacteria and Gram negative bacteria. Separation into these two classes is based on differences in the structure of the bacterial walls.

The conventional and most commonly used method of the Gram staining technique requires the use of four separate reagents. The reagents consist of a primary staining solution usually containing crystal violet dye, a mordant solution usually containing an iodine-potassium iodide solution, a decolorizing agent usually a solution of acetone and alcohol, and a counter-staining solution usually containing safranin. The conventional method involves the steps of: (1) treating a slide having bacteria affixed upon it with the principal stain, waiting 30-60 seconds; (2) rinsing the slide with water; (3) treating the slide with the mordant solution, waiting 30-60 seconds; (4) rinsing slide with water; (5) decolorizing the slide with acetone and alcohol solution, waiting 30-60 seconds; (6) rinsing the slide with water; (7) counter-staining the slide with the safranin or fuchsin solution for 30-60 seconds and; (8) rinsing the slide with water. Only after these steps are completed can the bacteria affixed to the slide be observed and analyzed to determine Gram status. Typically, Gram positive bacteria will appear purple in color, while Gram negative bacteria will appear reddish-pink in color.

It should be obvious from the above description of the conventional method of Gram staining that the conventional method of Gram staining is a very involved, time consuming, and labor intensive process. Each additional step introduces the possibility of error which can lead to an incorrect or inconclusive identification of the bacteria. A Gram stain which results in an inconclusive or incorrect identification of a bacterial specimen must either be repeated or have other diagnostic tests performed to more positively identify the bacterial specimen. In either case, the initiation of effective treatment is delayed when conclusive bacterial identification is not obtained.

For years, technicians using the conventional Gram staining method have been plagued by these inconsistent results. Much of the inconsistency is directly attributable to the conventional method itself. For instance, the separate decolorizing step is problematic in that it is difficult to achieve the proper amount of decolorization of the bacteria. In other words, decolorization, the step of removing the fixed crystal violet stain from the Gram negative organisms, is prone to inconsistency. The inconsistency stems from difficulties associated with the amount of decolorizing solvent applied to bacteria and the amount of time the decolorizing solvent is allowed to contact the bacteria. If the decolorizing solvent is applied in large volumes or is applied too vigorously, the bacteria in the sample may be under-stained, thereby potentially yielding an inconsistent or incorrect result i.e., a truly Gram positive bacterium may appear to be a Gram negative bacterium. If, on the other hand, a bacterial sample is not adequately decolorized, the bacteria in the sample may be over-stained, thereby potentially yielding an inconsistent or incorrect result, i.e., a truly Gram negative bacterium may appear to be a Gram positive bacterium.

Using the conventional four reagent Gram staining method, certain bacteria may appear as to be both Gram positive and Gram negative. These bacteria are referred to in the art as Gram variable bacteria. Gram variable bacteria present a unique challenge to the technician in that the results of a Gram stain on a pure culture of one of these bacteria could yield both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria or the bacteria may be stained in such a way that it is impossible to make a determination of the bacteria's Gram status. Instead of Gram positive bacteria appearing purple in color and Gram negative bacteria appearing reddish-pink in color, the bacteria may appear brownish purple or simply just brown. A result like this makes identifying and classifying a bacterial sample very difficult, as is described below.

In addition to inconsistency, the conventional Gram staining method takes more time to perform, i.e., an additional reagent adds at least another one minute application period and an additional water wash. Also, the conventional Gram staining method is more costly, since costs typically increase as more reagents are involved and there is a cost associated with a technician or a machine performing the additional manipulations connected with an additional reagent.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,857,459 to Reuben discloses a method for staining acid-fast bacilli which utilizes a decolorizing counter-stain solution containing methylene blue, ethyl alcohol, potassium hydroxide, glycerol, acetic acid, and polyvinylpyrrolidone. However, the decolorizing counter-stain solution and method for its use disclosed in the Reuben '459 patent are for performing an acid-fast stain and not for performing a Gram stain. Unlike the Gram stain, the acid-fast stain is dependent on the lipid containing cell walls of Mycobacteria and is intended for use primarily with these acid-fast bacilli.

There have been other attempts to streamline the conventional Gram staining method and reagents. U.S Pat. No. 4,916,061 to Di Ianni discloses a Gram staining method in which the number of individual reagents was reduced by combining the mordant and the decolorizer into a single reagent comprised of an iodine-iodide salt complex and an alcohol solvent. The Di Ianni '061patent sought to both streamline the Gram staining process and also to provide a more stable, longer lasting mordant solution. Unfortunately, this method provides inadequate results and, therefore, has no real utility, as described in detail below. It, therefore, follows that simply combining reagents from the conventional Gram staining method does not necessarily yield an improved method or unexpected results. Additionally, merely combining the counter-stain and the decolorizer without adjusting the pH to approximately 4.5 does not provide a pronounced improvement over prior art Gram staining methods.

The present invention not only streamlines the Gram staining method, it yields the added benefits of improved accuracy and performance by eliminating the certain long standing problems such as over/under decolorizing and variability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method according to the present invention for Gram staining a specimen containing bacteria and other cells includes the steps of staining Gram positive bacteria in the specimen, fixing the stain to the Gram positive bacteria, and simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining Gram negative bacteria in the specimen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The file of this patent contains at least one drawing executed in color.

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a photograph of Bacillus megaterium ATCC 14581, a Gram positive organism, which has been Gram stained using the traditional four step method.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of Bacillus megaterium ATCC 14581, a Gram positive organism, which has been Gram stained using the three-step method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

The present invention provides a method for Gram staining a specimen containing bacteria and other cells. Prior to commencing the subject Gram staining method, a bacterial sample is first obtained and affixed to a support structure. The bacteria can be obtained from any suitable source such as a pure culture, a wound exudate, a blood smear, a sputum sample or the like. The bacteria are affixed to the support structure which can be a standard glass microscope slide by heating, alcohol treatment or other suitable means of fixation as are known in the art.

The first step in the subject method is staining the bacteria affixed on the slide with a reagent solution containing a primary dye capable of staining Gram positive bacteria. Crystal violet, or as it is sometimes referred to as gentian violet, is the preferred primary dye for staining Gram positive bacteria. The crystal violet dye is dissolved in a solvent which is typically water or an alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropanol. The crystal violet solution may also include certain other minor components, such as phenol or aniline, which are added to increase the solubility and stability of the crystal violet in the solution. Staining the bacteria affixed to the slide includes applying the crystal violet solution the bacteria affixed to the slide using any suitable means such as a squeeze bottle, an eye dropper, or any other suitable means for applying a solution. The staining step also includes an application period in which the crystal violet solution is allowed to incubate or contact the bacteria for a period of time, typically one minute. Following the application period, the bacteria affixed to the slide are gently washed with water to remove any excess crystal violet solution.

Following the staining step, a mordant solution is applied to the bacteria in order to fix the primary dye within the bacteria. The mordant solution forms insoluble compounds with the primary dye, that is, the crystal violet dye present within the bacteria is altered so that it will only be retained by Gram positive bacteria. The mordant solution typically comprises an iodine-iodide salt complex dissolved in a solvent, such as water. The iodine comprising the iodine-iodide salt complex is generally crystallized iodine. The iodide salt can be any number of different iodide salts but is generally one of either potassium iodide, sodium iodide, magnesium iodide, aluminum iodide, zinc iodide, and ferrous iodide. Additionally, the mordant solution can comprise iodine complexed with polyvinylpyrrolidone. The mordant solution may also be comprised of an iodine concentrate/diluent preparation. The iodine concentrate/diluent preparation would provide a more stable means for transport and add to the shelf life of the solution.

Fixing the crystal violet dye within the Gram positive bacteria is accomplished by applying the mordant solution to the bacteria affixed to the slide using any suitable means such as a squeeze bottle, an eye dropper, or any other suitable means for applying a solution. The fixing step also includes an application period in which the mordant solution is allowed to incubate or contact the bacteria for a period of time, typically one minute.

Following the application period, the bacteria which were affixed to the slide and previously treated with the mordant solution are gently washed with a combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution to remove any excess mordant solution. This final step in the subject Gram staining method simultaneously decolorizes and counter-stains the previously treated bacteria affixed to the slide. The step of simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining the bacteria affixed to the slide allows for removal of any fixed crystal violet dye from Gram negative bacteria (decolorization) which, because of the structure of their bacterial walls, do not retain fixed crystal violet dye and, at the same time, stains the bacteria with a second dye capable of staining Gram negative bacteria (counter-staining). In the final step of the subject method, a counter-stain is applied to the bacteria to stain the Gram negative bacteria with a differentiating stain to allow the Gram negative bacteria to be identified. In other words, a solution is applied to the bacteria which removes fixed crystal violet dye from any Gram negative bacteria present in bacterial specimen while, simultaneously, introducing a second stain into those same Gram negative bacteria to allow for the differentiation of both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria.

The step of simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining Gram negative bacteria is accomplished by applying the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution to the bacteria affixed to the slide. The combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution includes a solvent for removing the fixed crystal violet dye from Gram negative bacteria, a counter-stain for staining Gram negative bacteria, and a buffer solution.

In the preferred embodiment, the solvent is ethanol, but may be methanol, isopropanol, chloroform, or acetone. Additionally, water may be included in the solvent in concentrations ranging from about 0% to 25%, preferably about 10%.

The combination decolorizing and counter-staining reagent solution also includes a stain capable of staining Gram negative bacteria. The stain can be any suitable counter-stain such as either fuchsin or safranin in concentrations ranging from 0.02% to 0.50% and 0.10% to 0.80%, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the counter-stain is a mixture of both safranin and basic fuchsin, but any other suitable dye may be substituted as an additional counter-stain for use in combination with safranin such as acid fuchsin and neutral red dye. In the preferred embodiment, the concentration of safranin in the reagent solution for simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining the Gram negative bacteria can range from about 0.10% to 0.80%. The preferred concentration of safranin is about 0.40%. The concentration of the additional counter-stain, which in the preferred embodiment is basic fuchsin, can range from about 0.02% to 0.50%. The preferred concentration of the basic fuchsin is about 0.30%. The concentration of ethanol in the reagent solution for simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining the Gram negative bacteria can range from about 75% to 100%, and preferably is about 90%.

In order to enhance the staining quality of the specimen, a mordant can be added to the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution. The addition of a mordant at this step acts to enhance the staining results by fixing the counter-stains in those cells in which the counter-stains are taken up. That is, just as the mordant applied during the fixing step complexes with the Gram positive stain to prevent the stain from being washed from a Gram positive cell, the mordant applied during the simultaneous decolorizing and counter-staining step functions to "fix" Gram negative stain within Gram negative cells.

Suitable mordants can include phenol, aniline, formalin, or similar mordants. In the preferred embodiment, the mordant is phenol. The concentration of the mordant can range from 1% to 10%; however, in the preferred embodiment the concentration of the mordant, i.e., phenol, is approximately 5%.

In addition to the constituents which comprise the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution, the pH of the solution is also critical to the present invention. The optimal pH range for the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution is in the acidic range between pH=1 to pH=6. The preferred pH for the solution is approximately pH=4.5. Acidification is critical in order to resolve and differentiate mammalian cells which may be present in a clinical specimen. Without adjusting the pH of the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution within this range, mammalian cells such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's), mononuclear cells, epithelial cells and similar type cells are difficult to distinguish and resolve from a Gram stained bacterial slide. These other cells can be a valuable aid in diagnosis and bacterial typing since they are important indicators of inflammation and specimen quality. Manipulation of pH of the solution directly effects Gram stain results of bacteria and mammalian cells. Without the proper pH, the bacteria over-decolorize and the mammalian cells do not stain at all. The combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution of the present invention can also be used in order to specifically stain mammalian cells, such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, in a specimen or sample which may or may not additionally contain bacteria. That is, at this critical pH mammalian cells can be stained and, therefore, visualized. In other words, the reagents and steps of the present Gram staining method can be used to not only visualize and identify bacterial cells present in a specimen or sample but, additionally, to stain, visualize, and identify mammalian cells present in a specimen or sample.

The pH of the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution can be adjusted in order to compensate for pH variances caused by the particular formulation of the solution. That is, depending on the constituents comprising the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution, the pH may be required to be adjusted up (add base) or down (add acid) in order to obtain the optimum pH, i.e., approximately pH 4.5. The pH of the solution can be lowered (acidified) by the addition of acids such as glacial acetic acid or hydrochloric acid. The pH of the solution can be raised (made more basic) by adding bases such as sodium hydroxide.

Another method of adjusting the pH of the solution is by buffering. The buffer in the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution may be any number of different buffering agents but is generally acetate, TRIS, or other suitable buffers known to those skilled in the art. Many buffers may be suitable as long as they are soluble in the solution and possess similar buffering capacity in the preferred pH range. The preferred buffer is an acetate buffer ranging in concentration from 0.01 M to 1 M. The preferred concentration of acetate buffer is 0.1 M. Buffering the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution is crucial for staining mammalian cells present in specimens to be analyzed.

The simultaneous decolorizing and counter-staining step is accomplished by rinsing the mordant from the slide using the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution and then applying the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution to the bacteria affixed to the slide using any suitable means such as a squeeze bottle, an eye dropper, or any other suitable means for applying a solution. Additionally, the use of the simultaneous decolorizing and counter-staining step eliminates a water washing step from the conventional Gram staining method. The simultaneous decolorizing and counter-staining step also includes an application period in which the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution is allowed to incubate or contact the bacteria for a period of time, typically 20-50 seconds. Following the application period, the bacteria affixed to the slide are gently washed with water to remove any excess decolorizing and counter-staining solution. At this point, the bacteria affixed to the slide are in a condition suitable for microscopic analysis to determine if the bacteria are Gram positive, Gram negative, or a combination of both.

The present invention also includes a kit containing the Gram staining reagents including a first reagent means for staining Gram positive bacteria; a second reagent means for fixing the stain to the Gram positive bacteria; and a third reagent means comprised of a solvent, a counter-stain, and a pH adjusting means for simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining Gram negative bacteria, all of which are as previously described above.

EXAMPLES

Example 1.

Materials and Methods

Samples of microorganisms including bacterial and yeast specimens (see Table 1) were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with conventional four reagent Gram staining method comprised of an aqueous principal staining solution containing 0.38% crystal violet, 0.44% phenol; a mordant solution containing 0.33% iodine crystals, 0.66% potassium iodide; a decolorizing solution containing acetone and isopropanol in a ratio of 1:3, respectively; and a counter-staining solution containing 0.4% safranin and 20% ethanol.

Using the conventional Gram staining method the microorganisms were: (1) treated with the principal staining solution for 30-60 seconds; (2) rinsed with water; (3) treated with the mordant solution for 30-60 seconds; (4) rinsed with water; (5) treated with the decolorizing solution for 30-60 seconds; (6) rinsed with water; (7) treated with the counter-staining solution for 30-60 seconds and; (8) rinsed with water. Following these steps, the microorganisms were microscopically analyzed and the results are shown in Table 1.

For the three reagent method of the present invention, identical microorganism samples, including bacterial and yeast specimens, were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with a principal staining solution containing 0.38% crystal violet, 0.44% phenol; a mordant solution containing 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine, 1.9% potassium iodide; and a combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution containing 0.40% safranin, 90% ethanol, and 10% water in a 0.1 M acetate buffer, pH 4.5. Using the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention, the microorganism samples were: (1) treated with the principal staining solution for 30-60 seconds; (2) rinsed with water; (3) treated with the mordant solution or 30-60 seconds; (4) rinsed with the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution; (5) treated with the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution for 20-50 seconds; and (6) rinsed with water. Following these steps, the microorganism samples were microscopically analyzed and the results are shown in Table 1.

Results

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, tests were performed comparing the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention with the conventional four reagent Gram staining method. Applicants found that for certain Bacillus sp. the subject reagent and method yielded consistent, easily interpreted Gram stain results, while the conventional Gram staining reagents and method yielded inconclusive results. Referring to FIG. 1, the bacteria Gram stained by the traditional four step method appear to be yellowish in color which is inconsistent with the purple color which indicates Gram positive organisms and the pinkish color which indicates Gram negative organisms. However, referring to FIG. 2, the bacteria Gram stained by the three step method of the subject invention are purple in color, clearly indicating that the organism is Gram positive.

Example 2.

Materials and Methods

For the three reagent method of the present invention, clinical samples were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with a principal staining solution containing 0.38% crystal violet, 0.44% phenol; a mordant solution containing 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine crystals, 1.9% potassium iodide; and a combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution containing 0.40% safranin, 90% ethanol, and 10% water in a 0.1 M acetate buffer, pH 4.5.

Using the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention, the microorganism samples were: (1) treated with the principal staining solution for 30-60 seconds; (2) rinsed with water; (3) treated with the mordant solution for 30-60 seconds; (4) rinsed with the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution; (5) treated with the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution for 20-40 seconds; (6) rinsed with water. Following these steps, the microorganism samples were microscopically analyzed and the results are shown in Table 2.

Results

Tests were performed on clinical samples using the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention. Applicants found that the three reagent method of the present invention yielded consistent and easily interpreted Gram staining results for a variety of clinically isolated samples. The three reagent method provided accurate, consistent, and easily interpretable results for a variety of typical clinical isolates. These results illustrate the benefits obtained by adjusting the pH of the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution. Additionally, these results demonstrate the criticality of buffering and acidifying the pH of the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution in order to stain mammalian cells present in the samples. Without adjusting the pH and buffering the solution, the mammalian cells are not sufficiently differentiable and, therefore, cannot be used to aid in identification or diagnosis. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN's), epithelial cells and similar type cells were easily distinguishable using the Gram staining method of the present invention and aided in the interpretation of the clinical samples.

Example 3.

Material and Methods

Samples of microorganisms including bacterial and yeast specimens (see Table 3) were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with three reagent Gram staining method of Di Ianni comprised of a principal staining solution containing 1.2 gram crystal violet dye, 2 grams of aniline, and 10% (V/V) of isopropanol in a 100 ml final volume; a combination mordant and decolorizing solution containing 0.66% potassium iodide, 0.33% iodine crystals, and 95% ethanol; and a counter-staining solution containing 1% safranin in an aqueous solution.

Using the three reagent Gram staining method of the Di Ianni '061 patent, microorganism samples were: (1) treated with the principal staining solution for one minute; (2) rinsed with water; (3) treated with the combination mordant and decolorizing solution for one minute; (4) rinsed with water; (5) treated with the counter-staining solution for 30-60 seconds; and (6) rinsed with water. Following these steps, the microorganism samples were microscopically analyzed and the results are shown in Table 3.

For the three reagent method of the present invention, identical bacterial specimens were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with a principal staining solution containing 0.38% crystal violet, 0.44% phenol; a mordant solution containing 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine, 1.9% potassium iodide; and a combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution containing 0.40% safranin, 90% ethanol, and 10% water in a 0.1 M acetate buffer as previously described in Example 1.

Results

Tests were performed comparing the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention with the three reagent Gram staining method of the Di Ianni '061 patent described above. Applicants found that for organisms from both Gram positive and Gram negative groups, the combination decolorizing and counter-staining reagent and method of the present invention yielded consistent and easily interpreted Gram staining results, while the three reagent Gram staining reagent and method of the Di Ianni '061 patent yielded inconclusive and sometimes incorrect results. For example, for Staphyloccus aureus ATCC 2048, Staphyloccus xylosis ATCC 29971, Bacillus cereus ATCC E-14579, Bacillus megaterium ATCC 14581, and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 11774, the Di Ianni reagent and method yielded either incorrect Gram determinations or inconclusive Gram determinations, while the three reagent method of the present invention yielded consistently accurate and easily interpreted results for the same organisms.

Example 4.

Materials and Methods

Samples of microorganisms including clinical samples containing bacterial and yeast specimens (see Table 4) were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with conventional four reagent Gram staining method comprised of an aqueous principal staining solution containing 0.40% crystal violet; a mordant solution containing 13% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complex, 1.9% potassium iodide; a decolorizing solution containing acetone and isopropanol in a ratio of 1:3, respectively; and a counter-staining solution containing 0.25% safranin and 20% ethanol.

Using an automatic staining device (EMDS Midas II, EM Science, Gibbstown, N.J.) to apply the conventional Gram staining method the microorganisms were: (1) treated with the principal staining solution for 10 seconds; (2) rinsed with water; (3) treated with the mordant solution for 10 seconds; (4) rinsed with water; (5) treated with the decolorizing solution for 7seconds; (6) rinsed with water; (7) treated with the counter-staining solution for 10 seconds and; (8) rinsed with water. Following these steps, the microorganisms were microscopically analyzed and the results are shown in Table 4.

For the three reagent method of the present invention, identical samples of microorganisms including clinical samples containing bacterial and yeast specimens were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with a principal staining solution containing 0.38% crystal violet, 0.44% phenol; a mordant solution containing 10% polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine, 1.9% potassium iodide; and a combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution containing 0.40% safranin, 0.30% basic fuchsin, 90% ethanol, 10% water, and acidified to pH 4.5. Using the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention, the microorganism samples were: (1) treated with the principal staining solution for 30-60 seconds; (2) rinsed with water; (3) treated with the mordant solution for 30-60 seconds; (4) rinsed with the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution; (5) treated with the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution for 20-50 seconds; and (6) rinsed with water. Following these steps, the microorganism samples were microscopically analyzed and the results are shown in Table 4.

Results

Referring to Table 4, tests were performed comparing the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention with the conventional four reagent Gram staining method. Applicants found for bacterial and yeast samples that the 3-step method of the present invention was comparable to the standard 4-step method. However, applicants data shows that for non-bacterial cells (mammalian cells, immune system cells) that in some cases, the 3-step method of the present invention yielded superior results in the staining and visualization of non-bacterial cells than did the standard 4-step method.

Example 5.

Material and Methods

Clinical samples containing microorganisms (see Table 5) were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with conventional four reagent Gram staining method comprised of an aqueous principal staining solution containing 0.38% crystal violet, 0.44% phenol; a mordant solution containing 0.33% iodine crystals, 0.66% potassium iodide; a decolorizing solution containing acetone and ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:1, respectively; and a counter-staining solution containing 0.4% safranin and 20% ethanol.

Using the conventional Gram staining method the microorganisms were: (1) treated with the principal staining solution for 60 seconds; (2) rinsed with water; (3) treated with the mordant solution for 60 seconds; (4) rinsed with water; (5) treated with the decolorizing solution until no more color ran from the slide; (6) rinsed with water; (7) treated with the counter-staining solution for 60 seconds and; (8) rinsed with water. Following these steps, the microorganisms were microscopically analyzed and the results are shown in Table 4.

For the three reagent method of the present invention, identical clinical samples containing microorganisms were affixed to glass microscope slides and were treated with a principal staining solution containing 0.38% crystal violet, 0.44% phenol; a mordant solution containing 0.33% iodine crystals, 0.66% potassium iodide; and a combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution containing 0.38% safranin, 0.28% basic fuchsin, 90% ethanol, 5% phenol, 10% water, and acidified to pH 4.5. Using the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention, the microorganism samples were: (1) treated with the principal staining solution for 30-60 seconds; (2) rinsed with water; (3) treated with the mordant solution for 30-60 seconds; (4) rinsed with the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution; (5) treated with the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution for 20-50 seconds; and (6) rinsed with water. Following these steps, the microorganism samples were microscopically analyzed and the results are shown in Table 5.

Results

Referring to Table 5, tests were performed comparing the three reagent Gram staining method of the present invention with the conventional four reagent Gram staining method. Applicants found that the 3-step method utilizing the combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution was superior to the standard 4-step Gram staining method in discerning both microbiological as well as mammalian cells from an actual human specimen. The results depicted in Table 5 illustrate that not only does the 3-step method and combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution of the present invention yield superior results over the standard in identification and classification of bacterial cells, the 3-step method and combination decolorizing and counter-staining solution of the present invention yields far superior results in the staining and identification of mammalian cells such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                                                    Three Reagent Gram                                                Conventional Four                                                                           Staining Method of                                                Reagent Gram the Present                                         Microorganism Staining Method                                                                             Invention                                           ______________________________________                                         Corynebacterium                                                                              g+           g+                                                  xerosis ATCC 9016                                                              Pseudomonas   g-           g-                                                  aeruginosa                                                                     ATCC 10145                                                                     Candida albicans                                                                             g+           g+                                                  ATCC 10231                                                                     Candida tropicalis                                                                           g+           g+                                                  ATCC 11307                                                                     Staphylococcus                                                                               g+           g+                                                  aureus ATCC 25923                                                              Staphylococcus                                                                               g+           g+                                                  aureus CDC 2048                                                                Staphylococcus                                                                               g+           g+                                                  xylosis ATCC 29971                                                             Micrococcus sp.                                                                              g+           g+                                                  IMC 72235                                                                      Klebsiella    g-           g-                                                  pneumoniae BMC 3292                                                            Klebsiella    g-           g-                                                  pneumoniae                                                                     ATCC 13883                                                                     Kiebsiella oxytoca                                                                           g-           g-                                                  ATCC 8724-A                                                                    Escherichia coli                                                                             g-           g-                                                  CDC 313-83                                                                     Bacillus cereus                                                                              g+           g+                                                  ATCC 14579                                                                     Bacillus megaterium                                                                          g+           g+                                                  ATCC 14581                                                                     Bacillus subtilis                                                                            g+ (purple,  g+ (all purple)                                     ATCC 6633     brownish)                                                        Bacillus subtilis                                                                            g+, g- (brownish)                                                                           g+                                                  ATCC 11774                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                         Specimem        Result: 3-Reagent Method                                       Blood A         g+, cocci                                                      Blood B         g-, rod; PMN's                                                 Blood C         g-, rod                                                        Blood D         g+, cocci; PMN's                                               Wound A         g+, cocci;                                                                     g-, diplococci (bipolar                                                        bacilli)                                                       Wound B         g+, cocci                                                      Sputum A        g+, cocci; g- rods, PMN's                                      Vaginal A       epithelial cells                                               Throat A        g+, coccobacilli; squamous                                                     cells                                                          ______________________________________                                    

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                                                    Three Step Gram                                     ______________________________________                                                     Di Ianni '061 Three                                                                           Staining Method of                                              Step Gram Staining                                                                            the Present                                         Microorganism                                                                              Method         Invention                                           ______________________________________                                         Staphyloccus aureus                                                                        g-             g+                                                  ATCC 2048                                                                      Staphyloccus                                                                               pink-brown     g+                                                  xylosis                                                                        ATCC 29971                                                                     Bacillus cereus                                                                            g+, g-         g+                                                  ATCC E-14579                                                                   Bacillus megaterium                                                                        g+, g-         g+                                                  ATCC 14581                                                                     Klebsiella  g-             g-                                                  pneumoniae                                                                     BMC 3292                                                                       Escherichia coli                                                                           g-             g-                                                  CDC 313-83                                                                     Bacillus subtilis                                                                          g+             g+                                                  ATCC 6633                                                                      Bacillus subtilis                                                                          g-             g+                                                  ATCC 11774                                                                     ______________________________________                                    

                                      TABLE 4                                      __________________________________________________________________________           Bacterial    Non-Bacterial                                               Type of                                                                              Gram Stain/Morphology                                                                       Staining Characteristics                                    Specimen                                                                             Standard     Standard                                                    or Culture                                                                           4-Step 3-Step                                                                               4-Step 3-Step                                                                               Comments                                       __________________________________________________________________________     N.    Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Background                                     gonorrhoeae                     darker on                                                                      3-Step                                         H.    Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           3-Step more                                    influenzae                      intense                                        S.    Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Equivalent                                     aureus                                                                         Vaginal 1                                                                            S.     S.    Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Equivalent                                           epidermidis                                                                           epideridis                                                        Vaginal 2                                                                            S.     S.    Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Equivalent                                           epidermidis                                                                           epideridis                                                              Bacillus                                                                              Bacillus                                                          Sputum 3                                                                             S.     S.    Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           3-Step more                                          epidermidis                                                                           epidermidis        intense                                              mixed  mixed                                                             Sputum 2                                                                             PMN, Cocci                                                                            PMN, Cocci                                                                           Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Equivalent                                           Yeast  Yeast                                                             Blood 1                                                                              G+     G+    Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Equivalent                                           bacillus                                                                              bacillus                                                          Blood 2                                                                              G-     G-    Comparable                                                                            Comparable                                                                           Equivalent                                           bacillus                                                                              bacillus                                                          __________________________________________________________________________

                                      TABLE 5                                      __________________________________________________________________________           Bacterial    Non-Bacterial                                               Type of                                                                              Gram Stain/Morphology                                                                       Staining Characteristics                                    Specimen                                                                             Standard     Standard                                                    or Culture                                                                           4-Step 3-Step                                                                               4-Step 3-Step                                                                               Comments                                       __________________________________________________________________________     Fecal Gram   Bacteria                                                                             Faint pink                                                                            PMN's stand                                                                          3-Step better for                              leukacyte                                                                            negative                                                                              stand out    out   PMN's & bacteria                                     bacilli                   "clear smear"                                        hard                                                                           to see                                                                         GPB O.K.                                                                 Fecal No     Gram  Light  Darker                                                                               PMN's standout                                 leukocyte                                                                            bacteria                                                                              negative                                                                             pink   pink  in 3-step, missed                                    Seen   bacilli                                                                              PMN's  PMN's Gram negative                                               stand out          bacilli in                                                                     standard                                       Urine Gram   Gram  PMN's  PMN's 3-Step enhanced                                      positive                                                                              positive                                                                             light  good  Gram negative                                        cocci O.K.                                                                            cocci and          bacilli and PMN's                                    Gram   Gram               good                                                 negative                                                                              negative                                                                bacilli                                                                               bacilli                                                                 light  good                                                              CSF   Gram   Gram  PMN's good                                                                            PMN's good                                                                           No Difference                                        positive                                                                              positive                                                                cocci  cocci                                                             CSF   large  large PMN    PMN   Cellular (PMN's)                                     dividing                                                                              dividing                                                                             light  excellent                                                                            stained better in                                    Gram   Gram               3-Step. Easier                                       positive                                                                              positive           to identify                                          cocci  cocci                                                             Bone  Rare Gram                                                                             Rare Gram                                                                            Light PMN                                                                             PMN's good                                                                           Cells & bacteria                                     positive                                                                              positive           easier to see in                                     cocci  cocci              3-Step, especially                                                             since they were                                                                rare.                                          __________________________________________________________________________ 

What is claimed:
 1. A method for Gram staining a specimen containing bacteria by:a) staining Gram positive bacteria in the specimen; b) fixing the stain to the Gram positive bacteria and; c) simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining Gram negative bacteria in the specimen, the counter-stain being selected from the group consisting of safranin, basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin, and neutral red stain.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the safranin comprises in concentrations ranging from 0.10% to 80%.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the fuchsin comprises in concentration ranging from 0.02% to 0.50%.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising an additional step of staining mammalian cells present in the specimen.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the counter-stain comprises a mixture of safranin and an additional counter-stain selected from the group consisting of basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin, and neutral red dye.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the safranin comprises in concentrations ranging from 0.10% to 0.80%.
 7. The method of claim 6 wherein the safranin comprises concentration of 0.40%.
 8. The method of claim 5 wherein the additional counter-stain is further defined as being a fuchsin.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the fuchsin comprises in concentration ranging from 0.02% to 0.50%.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the fuchsin comprises concentration of 0.30%.
 11. A kit for Gram staining containing reagents comprising:first reagent means for staining Gram positive bacteria; second reagent means for fixing the stain to the Gram positive bacteria; and third reagent means for simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining Gram negative bacteria, the counter-stain being selected from the group consisting of safranin, basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin, and neutral red stain.
 12. The Gram staining kit according to claim 11 wherein the safranin comprises in concentration ranging from 0.10% to 0.80%.
 13. The Gram staining kit according to claim 11 wherein the fuchsin comprises in concentrations ranging from 0.02% to 0.50%.
 14. The Gram staining kit according to claim 11 further including pH adjustment means for adjusting the pH of said third reagent.
 15. The Gram staining kit according to claim 11 wherein said counter-stain comprises a mixture of safranin and an additional counter-stain.
 16. The Gram staining kit according to claim 15 wherein said additional counter-stain is further defined as being neutral red stain.
 17. The Gram staining kit according to claim 15 wherein the safranin comprises in concentrations ranging from 0.10% to 0.80%.
 18. The Gram staining kit according to claim 17 wherein the safranin comprises concentration of is approximately 0.40%.
 19. The Gram staining kit according to claim 15 wherein said additional counter-stain is further defined as being fuchsin.
 20. The Gram staining kit according to claim 19 wherein the fuchsin comprises in concentrations ranging from 0.02% to 0.50.
 21. The Gram staining kit according to claim 20 wherein the fuchsin comprises concentration of 0.30%.
 22. The Gram staining kit according to claim 19 wherein the fuchsin is further defined as being basic fuchsin.
 23. The Gram staining kit according to claim 19 wherein the fuchsin is further defined as being acid fuchsin.
 24. A Gram staining reagent for simultaneously decolorizing and counter-staining bacteria affixed to a slide, said reagent comprising a decolorizing solvent and at least one counter-stain, the reagent being pH adjusted, said counter-stain being selected from the group consisting of safranin, basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin, and neutral red stain.
 25. The Gram staining reagent according to claim 24 wherein the safranin comprises in concentration ranging from 0.10% to 0.80%.
 26. The Gram staining reagent according to claim 24 wherein the fuchsin comprises in concentrations ranging from 0.02% to 0.50%.
 27. The Gram staining reagent according to claim 24 wherein said counter-stain comprises a mixture of safranin and an additional counter-stain selected from the group consisting of basic fuchsin, acid fuchsin, and neutral red dye.
 28. The Gram staining reagent according to claim 27 wherein the safranin comprises in concentrations ranging from 0.10% to 0.80%.
 29. The Gram staining reagent according to claim 28 wherein the safranin comprises concentration of is approximately 0.40%.
 30. The Gram staining method according to claim 27 wherein said additional counter-stain is further defined as being a fuchsin.
 31. The Gram staining reagent according to claim 30 wherein the fuchsin comprises in concentration ranging from 0.10% to 0.50%.
 32. The Gram staining reagent according to claim 30 wherein the fuchsin comprises concentration of 0.30%. 